NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: May 19, 2026, 5:46 PM ET

Second-Round Fallout

The Montreal Canadiens completed a stunning second-round upset with a 3-2 overtime victory over the Buffalo Sabres in Game, as Alex Newhook scored his second series-clinching goal of the postseason to advance. The Sabres, who received a standing ovation after their historic renaissance season ended, saw forward Alex Tuch disappear offensively in the series loss, a performance his agent insists will not impact Tuch's upcoming free agency this summer. Sports Line's model leaned toward the Canadiens in the decisive matchup, citing their goaltending advantage and playoff experience.

Conference Finals Set

The NHL's final four is set, with the Carolina Hurricanes awaiting the winner of the Canadiens-Sabres series in the Eastern Conference final, while the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights will meet in the West. The Knights, however, enter their conference final under a cloud after losing an appeal of NHL-imposed sanctions for a media boycott following their series-clinching win; coach John Tortorella was fined $100,000 and the team stripped of its second-round draft pick. Sports Line's analysis projects a tight Western Conference final, with the Avalanche holding a slight edge in depth scoring.

Coaching Carousel

The offseason coaching turnover began in earnest as the Vancouver Canucks fired first-year head coach Adam Foote and three assistants after a 25-49-8 record, ending a disappointing inaugural season behind the bench. In a stunning move, the Edmonton Oilers dismissed coach Kris Knoblauch despite back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances and an unstarted contract extension, signaling a dramatic shift in direction for the franchise. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild face an uncertain offseason after confirming star defenseman Jonas Brodin and center Joel Eriksson Ek missed the second-round series against Colorado due to broken bones in their feet, while goaltender Filip Gustavsson will undergo hip surgery, casting doubt on his availability for training camp.

International Stage

At the IIHF World Championship, Austria secured a 3-1 victory over Latvia on Benjamin Nissner's third-period power-play goal, while Canada routed Denmark 5-1 behind four assists from Sidney Crosby, extending his point streak to five games. Canada also improved to 2-0 with a 6-0 shutout of Italy, highlighted by two goals and an assist from rookie Macklin Celebrini. The defending champion United States rebounded from an opening loss to Switzerland with a 5-1 win over tournament newcomer Britain, paced by two goals from Rocco Grimaldi.

Other Moves & Notes

The PWHL announced its expansion to San Jose bringing the league to 12 teams with its first franchise in California, completing a four-team expansion plan. Wild star defenseman Quinn Hughes, eligible for an extension July 1, stated he is "definitely open" to remaining with Minnesota long-term. In a piece of hockey history, a ring belonging to "Miracle on Ice" coach Herb Brooks sold at auction for $549,000. Finally, the NHL draft prospect field features Yukon native Gavin McKenna, who is projected as the likely No. 1 overall pick after a unique path through junior and college hockey.